I've heard several stories of men being falsely accused of rape, and eventually being acquitted, but still having their lives ruined due to the fact that they were named in the media. Supposed victims of rape recieve anonymity, but should the accused also be granted this?
2006-12-26 01:36:47 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
Actually, I think ANYONE accused of ANY crime should receive anonymity until after the trial. I understand the "freedom of press" issue, but so many accused are "guilty until proven innocent" because of the media. I think that this can ultimately interfere with the ability of the accused to have a fair trial.
2006-12-27 17:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by wendy g 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the woman is prepared to post a bond, say for One Million Pounds Sterling, in the event that the man's reputation and career are ruined by the accusation and sensational trial at the end of which he is found "not guilty" by reason of the accuser's false testimony, then let's go ahead and make his name public right from the start. Everybody has some skin in the game. If she's not ready to put up a forfeiture bond guaranteeing that her testimony will be proven to be truthful, then the man has no way of being made whole or even partially compensated for the direct and foreseeable consequences of her potentially ruinous accusation. In such a case, the most she is entitled to is a fair trial on the merits. She's not entitled to free newspaper stories or publicity about what she has said in accusation if she has absolutely no skin in the game -- it's just a 100% free shot on her part. Giving people a free shot like this -- any people -- men or women -- is a terrible idea. No misogynists here. Men and women are both great big fat liars. That's why incendiary cases should be brought to verdict under gag orders. After the verdict, the chips will crumble as they may. At the point of accusation, let her make her accusation to the Court Clerk, under oath, without fanfare, and pray the Lord she is being truthful, and I won't use any vituperative terms here, although a few do come to mind, even to this non-misogynist mind. All monkeys lie, but very few male monkeys falsely accuse female monkeys of raping them. In the absence of a rape kit, properly collected, with a valid chain of custody, in an evidence locker, the forfeiture bond can be doubled at the discretion of the Court. If there is a valid rape kit, properly collected, on file, the forfeiture bond can be waived at the discretion of the Court. That seems fair, not to say Solomonic, or in any event better than the average bear you are going to read here on Lonely Answers Club, of course, you did ask a Mentat.
2016-05-23 07:41:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they should, but, with today's sensationalism in news, they don't. I do think that the papers would be required to retract the story with as big a article as the one ran condemning if they are not guilty. AND anyone, male or female, that screams rape and was not, just was embarrassed or changed their mind (like after out drinking-no one poured the beer down their throat) should receive the same sentence and pay hefty fines.
2006-12-26 01:48:30 · answer #3 · answered by Common Sense 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all people accused of any crime should be anonymous. the media should not be able to comment on or name a name until a guilty verdict is given, then they can write what they want. Thats what America says should happen but it doesn't. the way it is now you are guilty until proven innocent.
2006-12-26 03:02:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
We rarely heart about people falsely accused of raping, but I consider that anyone`s identity should be kept hidden until after the trial finishes, no matter he`s or her`s guilt..
2006-12-26 03:00:42 · answer #5 · answered by Diana T 1 · 6⤊ 0⤋
These stories of "false accusations" are blown out of proportion. Fact is that false accusations are very rare. Fact is also that many raped women have a lot of trouble to go to the police and the rape crisis center. Many REAL rapes remain unreported because women fear brutal and insensitive police interrogation. They also fear of being dragged through the press and to be treated like sluts in front of a judge. Of course rape victims should remain anonymous - they don't need more humilation in the press.
Those who are charged with rape should be named to protect children and women.
2006-12-26 02:31:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Nobody has the right to slander another person. Its INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. This is why people who make false rape claims need to serve prison time, after publicaly appologizing to the person whoes life they just tried to ruin.
2006-12-26 13:32:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't know.. That is a difficult question.. If the man is out on bail then no, I do not believe he should be granted anonymity because if he was going to strike again, I'd want to know who he was so I could be on the look-out. If he is not permitted bail and must stay in prison during trial then yes, he can be granted anonymity. I don't know though, this is a difficult one.
2006-12-26 01:46:23 · answer #8 · answered by Steph 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
It's a very good idea for the innocent, but there's the hope in publicly accusing them that maybe someone else will stand up and say "he did that to me too." There's pros and cons on both sides.
2006-12-26 05:41:14 · answer #9 · answered by locusfire 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes.. as a matter of fact I think that all names and details should be with held from the media until the trail is over.
2006-12-26 01:45:45 · answer #10 · answered by David 5 · 6⤊ 2⤋